Ahsan Iqbal clarifies brief disruption during live TV interview

RNN TV (Web Desk) — Federal Minister for Planning and senior PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday issued a clarification after his video link briefly went offline during a live television interview, prompting speculation on social media.

The disruption occurred when Iqbal’s video feed abruptly cut out mid-interview. A voice was heard saying “shut this down,” after which the connection was lost. Moments later, Iqbal rejoined the programme and reassured the host that “all is well,” easing concerns raised by viewers over the sudden interruption.

Later, in a post on X, Iqbal thanked people for their messages of concern and explained that the brief disruption was caused by someone nearby having an argument and being unaware that he was live on air. He said he rejoined the interview shortly afterwards and urged that the incident not be unnecessarily politicised.

The clip of the interruption circulated widely on social media, with varying claims about what had occurred. Addressing the speculation, a journalist said Iqbal told him there was a family gathering at his Islamabad residence and that children had unexpectedly entered his study during the live broadcast.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also confirmed after speaking to Iqbal that children had entered the room unexpectedly and that the minister had resumed the programme soon after, adding that “all is well.”